CN102006796A - Buckle assemblies and associated connectors for use with child seats and other restraint systems - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention discloses a buckle assembly and associated connectors for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems. A restraint system constructed according to one embodiment of the invention includes shoulder/knee straps slidably received within corresponding strap connectors. Each strap connector includes a tongue configured to releasably interlock with another tongue when the interlocking tongues are inserted simultaneously as a whole into the buckle assembly. The buckle assembly is configured to receive and engage the interlocking tongues only if the tongues have already properly engaged before insertion into the buckle assembly.

Description

Buckle assemblies and associated connectors for use with child seats and other restraint systems

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit and priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/011,833, filed January 22, 2008 and incorporated by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The following disclosure relates generally to personal restraint systems for use in vehicles, and more particularly to buckle assemblies and associated connectors for use with child seats and restraint systems.

Background technique

There are many types of personal restraint systems for use in automobiles and other vehicles. Such systems include, for example, seat belts of sufficient size for use by adults and children, and child seats with associated restraints for use by infants and infants.

Regulations for child restraint systems generally vary between countries and regions. For example, in Europe the requirements for child restraint systems are generally stated in Article 44 of the UN ECE Regulations (Uniform provisions concerning the approval of restraint devices for child occupants of electric vehicles). As stated in Rule 44, Section 7.2.1.1, "...the buckle should be designed to prevent any possible misoperation. This means in particular that it is not permitted to leave the buckle in a partially closed position; The buckle parts can be easily exchanged; the buckle must be locked when all parts are engaged". In addition, Rule 44, Section 7.2.1.4 states that "the child shall be released from the restraint by a single action of a single buckle".

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a child restraint system having buckles and related components that inter alia address the requirements stated in Article 44 of the United Nations ECE Code.

Description of drawings

1 is a perspective view of a child secured in a seat with a restraint system having a buckle assembly constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

2A-2C are a series of perspective views showing various operational aspects of the buckle assembly and web connector shown in FIG. 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the buckle assembly of Figures 1-2C;

4A-4C are a series of perspective views showing a latch subassembly constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

5A-5C are a series of perspective views showing a tongue catapult subassembly constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

6A-6D are a series of perspective views showing various stages of assembly of the clasp assembly of FIGS. 1-3;

7A-7E are a series of perspective views of the clasp assembly of FIGS. 1-3 with one or more components omitted to illustrate operation of the latch mechanism, according to disclosed embodiments;

8A and 8B are perspective views illustrating the operation of a clasp assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the clasp assembly of Figures 8A and 8B;

10 is a perspective view of a latch subassembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

11A and 11B are perspective views of a connector tongue ejector subassembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

12A-12C are a series of perspective views showing various stages in the assembly of the clasp assembly of FIGS. 8A-9;

13A and 13B are perspective views of the clasp assembly of FIGS. 8A-9 with one or more components omitted to illustrate operation of the latch mechanism, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

14A and 14C are top views of the buckle assembly of FIGS. 8A-9; and

14B and 14D are corresponding cross-sectional views taken generally along line 14B-14B in FIG. 14A and along line 14D-14D in FIG. 14C, respectively.

Detailed ways

The following disclosure describes buckle assemblies and associated web connectors for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems in vehicles. As described in more detail below, a personal restraint system constructed in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure may include two web connectors having interlocking tongues that simultaneously engage with corresponding buckle assemblies. join. Certain details are described in the following description and in Figures 1-14D to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. However, other details of well-known structures and systems commonly associated with buckle assemblies, web connectors, and/or other aspects of personal restraint systems are not described below in order to avoid obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the present invention. Necessary is not clear.

Many of the details, dimensions, angles and other features shown in the drawings are merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments may have other details, dimensions, angles and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that further embodiments of the invention may be practiced without many of the details described below. In the figures, identical reference numerals designate identical or at least partially similar elements. To facilitate discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or digit in any reference number indicates the drawing in which the element is first introduced. For example, element 110 is first introduced and discussed with reference to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a restraint system 100 having a buckle assembly 110 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, a restraint system 100 retains a vehicle occupant (eg, a child 10 ) in a child seat 101 . The child seat 101 includes a base portion 103 and a back portion 107 . Child seat 101 may be secured to vehicle seat 20 using various systems known in the art. Such a system may include, for example, a belt or web (not shown) having a proximal end connected to the child seat 101 and an anchor in the bend of the seat 20 with a suitable coupler. ) (also not shown). In other embodiments, child seat 101 may be secured to vehicle seat 20, and/or other vehicle structures using other suitable methods known in the art. Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the child seat 101 or the deformation of said child seat may be reversed so that the child seat 101 faces rearwardly towards the vehicle seat 20 . Thus, as noted above, embodiments of the present disclosure and applications of the buckle assemblies and web connectors disclosed herein are not limited to the particular child seat configuration shown in FIG. 1 .

In the depicted embodiment, the restraint system 100 includes a first shoulder web 102a and a second shoulder web 102b extending from the back portion 107 of the child seat 101 . The shoulder web 102 may comprise various types of textile materials and/or other suitable belt or strap materials known in the art that provide sufficient strength, flexibility, durability, and/or other characteristics. In this embodiment, each of the shoulder webs 102 is slidably passed through a corresponding web connector 112 (referred to as first web connector 112a and second web connector 112b, respectively). the inner orifice. Threading of the shoulder webs 102 through the web connectors 112 may separate each of the shoulder webs 102 into corresponding shoulder web sections 114 (referred to as first shoulder web sections 114a and second shoulder web sections 114a, respectively). Shoulder web portion 114b), and corresponding overlapping web portion 104 (referred to as first overlapping web portion 104a and second overlapping web portion 104b, respectively). The overlapping web portions 104 extend away from each other between the back portion 107 and the seat portion 103 towards opposite sides of the flexure region of the child seat 101 . The ends of the shoulder webs 102 may be secured or otherwise secured to the child seat 101 and/or other adjacent structure using various methods known in the art.

As described in more detail below, web connector 112 may be releasably coupled to buckle assembly 110 . The buckle assembly 110 is connected to the distal end of the crotch web 105 extending from the base portion 103 of the child seat 101 . The proximal end of the crotch web 105 may be secured to the child seat 101 and/or other adjacent structure using various methods known in the art.

Although FIG. 1 shows one possible use of the buckle assembly 110 (for example, with a "five point" harness (a "five point" harness), those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize Buckle assembly 110 and other components of restraint system 100 may be used in many other restraint system applications without regard to the spirit or scope of protection.

2A-2C are a series of perspective views showing various stages in a method of releasably coupling web connector 112 to buckle assembly 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring first to FIG. 2A , each of the web connectors 112 includes a connector body 240 (referred to as a first connector body 240a and a second connector body 240b , respectively). Each of the connector bodies 240 includes a tongue 214 (referred to as a first tongue 214a and a second tongue 214b, respectively) and a web receiving portion 216 (respectively referred to as a first web receiving portion 216a and the second web accommodating portion 216b). Each of tongues 214 includes a corresponding distal edge 217 (referred to as first distal edge 217a and second distal edge 217b, respectively). Each of the web receiving portions 216 includes a corresponding web aperture 218 (referred to as first web aperture 218a and second web aperture 218b, respectively) that slidably receives corresponding one of the shoulder webs 102 . In the depicted embodiment, the web connector body 240 may be formed from a suitable metallic material, such as steel plate, that is stamped or otherwise formed using other methods known in the art.

Each of the web connectors 112 may further include a cover 241 (referred to as a first cover 241a and a second cover 241b, respectively) that fits over a respective web receiving portion 216 of a corresponding connector body 240 To facilitate grasping and manipulation of the web connector 112 by the user. Cover 241 may have a complementary inner edge profile 234 that fits together when connectors 112 are properly mated as shown in FIG. 2B . Cover 241 may be formed from web plastic and/or other suitable materials known in the art that are bonded, press-fit, and/or otherwise attached to connector body 240 .

In one aspect of this embodiment, the second tongue 214b has one or more inner edges 230 defining one or more edges 230 configured to receive the first tongue 214a defining a complementary outer shape or contour. outer edges 228 and an inner shape or profile that releasably interlocks with the one or more outer edges. More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the inner edge 230 of the second tongue 214b defines a first protrusion or protrusion 215a and a corresponding second protrusion 215b. Similarly, the outer edge 228 of the first tongue 214a defines a first cut-out or first recess 226a and a corresponding second recess 226b, the first cut-out or first recess and the corresponding second recess are shaped and sized to accommodate the first protrusion 215a and the second protrusion 215b of the second tongue 214b, respectively. The matching shape of the inner edge 230 and outer edge 228 enables the two tongues 214 to releasably interlock as shown in FIG. 2B . In other embodiments, the edges of the first and second tongues 214 may have other interlocking shapes, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from this disclosure.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the second tongue 214b further includes a raised bridge 232 created in the second tongue 214b to accommodate the distal end of the first tongue 214a. part 229 clearance. Still as shown in FIG. 2A , the distal end 229 of the first tongue 214a includes a locking structure (eg, a latch pawl aperture 224 ) having an engaging surface or locking edge 225 . However, in other embodiments, the first tongue 214a may include other types of locking structures, such as a raised or stepped portion (eg, a lip) with an abutment surface, a free edge, a post, a pin, or the like.

To releasably engage the web connector 112 with the buckle assembly 110, the first web connector 112a mates with the second web connector 112b such that each tongue 214 releasably engages as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Engaged or interlocked. Next, the interlocking tongue 214 is inserted as a whole through the opening 220 in the clasp assembly 110 . Tongue 214 is pushed into buckle assembly 110 until it fully engages buckle assembly 110 as shown in FIG. 2C . To release the web connector 112 from the buckle assembly 110 , the operator depresses a release actuator (eg, button 222 ) on the buckle assembly 110 . The web connector 112 and buckle assembly 110 are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 3-7C.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the various components and structures of buckle assembly 110 in greater detail. In one aspect of this embodiment, buckle assembly 110 includes a frame 330 located in housing 310 . Housing 310 may include a bottom cover 338 and a top cover 340 . The top cover 340 may include a button aperture 370 and oppositely aligned cut-outs 362 (referred to as first cut-out 362a and second cut-out 362b, respectively). Bottom cover 338 may include two frame locating structures 364 (respectively viewed as first locating structures 364a and second locating structures 364b ) protruding upwardly therefrom, and a first web opening 366 extending through the bottom cover. In one embodiment, bottom cover 338 and top cover 340 may be fabricated from plastic (eg, release molded plastic), composite material, and/or other suitable non-metallic materials known in the art. However, in other embodiments, the bottom cover 338 and/or the top cover 340 may be formed from a suitable metallic material, such as cast metal.

The frame 330 may include opposite side walls 332 (referred to as a first side wall 332a and a second side wall 332b , respectively) extending upward from the base 331 . Each of the side walls 332 includes a corresponding edge or lip 352 (referred to as a first lip 352a and a second lip 352b, respectively) extending inwardly. , so that each side wall 332 defines an interior-facing guide channel 354 (respectively referred to as a first guide channel 354a and a second guide channel 354b). A stop member 356 projects upwardly from the base 331 between the ejector positioning aperture 339 and the cover positioning aperture 351 . The frame 330 also includes attachment apertures 350 (e.g., web attachment apertures) positioned toward the end of the base 331 for securely attaching the buckle assembly 110 of the restraint system 100 (FIG. 1 ) to the crotch Ministry strip 105. In the depicted embodiment, frame 330 may be fabricated from a forging die and formed into shape from a suitable metallic material, such as steel plate. In other embodiments, other metals (e.g., other steels, aluminum, etc.) . In yet another embodiment, frame 330 may be fabricated from composite and/or other non-metallic materials known in the art having suitable strength, stiffness, and/or other characteristics.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the buckle assembly 110 further includes a latch 334 having a detent 336 (eg, a raised detent) that is located on an opposing side member 337 (referred to as first side member 337a and first side member 337a, respectively). Between the second side members 337 b ) protrude upward from the central portion of the latch 334 . The pawl 336 may include an inclined ramp portion 333 and an abutment surface 335 . In the depicted embodiment, the side members 337 extend away from the detents 336 and are parallel or at least approximately parallel to each other with open spaces therebetween. The latch 334 may be fabricated from various types of suitable materials known in the art, including metallic and non-metallic materials having suitable strength and stiffness characteristics. Such materials may include, for example, suitable steel or aluminum forgings, castings, stampings, and the like.

As described in more detail below, the latch 334 may be operatively coupled to a resilient biasing member or spring 346 . In the depicted embodiment, the spring 346 is a curved member formed of spring steel. However, in other embodiments, other types of resilient biasing members (eg, coil springs, torsion springs, etc.) may be used to bias or urge the latch 334 in a desired direction during operation of the clasp assembly 110 .

In another aspect of this embodiment, the release button 222 includes two support arms 328 (referred to as a first support arm 328a and a second support arm 328b, respectively) extending outwardly from opposite sides of the contact surface 329. . Each of the support arms 328 may include a corresponding spring retainer 324 (referred to as a first spring retainer 324a and a second spring retainer 324b, respectively). Each of the spring holders 324 holds an end of a corresponding coil spring 360 (referred to as a first coil spring 360a and a second coil spring 360b , respectively). Coil spring 360 biases release button 222 upward against top cover 340 of housing 310 to approximately position contact surface 329 in button aperture 370 . The support arm 328 slidably engages the alignment cutout 362 in the top cover 340 to maintain the proper alignment of the release button 222 during operation. In one embodiment, release button 222 may be fabricated from plastic (eg, release molded plastic), composite material, and/or other suitable non-metallic materials known in the art. However, in other embodiments, the release button 222 may be formed from a suitable metallic material, such as cast metal.

In the depicted embodiment, the release button 222 may also include two legs 326 (referred to as a first leg 326a and a second leg 326b , respectively) extending downwardly adjacent to the spring retainer 324 . The distal end of leg 326 is configured to push downward against side member 337 of latch 334 when release button 222 is depressed against coil spring 360 . As described in more detail below, the resulting downward movement of the latch side member 337 disengages the latch pawl 336 from the tongue 11 of the connector 112 . When this occurs, the ejector 342 pushes the tongue 114 out of the buckle assembly 110 due to the first biasing member or coil spring 341a and second coil spring 341b being compressed against the ejector base 344 . Further description of the assembly and operation of the various buckle components is provided below with reference to FIGS. 4A-7C .

4A-4C are a series of perspective views showing the installation of the latch spring 346 on the latch 334 and the subsequent installation of the latch 334 on the frame 330 . As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the proximal end portion 441 of the latch spring 346 is formed as a U-shaped pocket 447 that receives the leading edge portion 456 of the latch 334 . When the leading edge portion 456 of the latch 334 is inserted into the U-shaped recess 447, the distal end portion 442 of the latch spring 346 is biased away from the latch 334 as shown in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4C , after the latch spring 346 has been operatively coupled to the latch 334 , the latch side member 337 can be slid into a corresponding guide channel 354 of the frame 330 until the front edge portion 456 of the latch 334 Behind the return flange 436 . The leading edge portion 456 may then move down on the frame 330 and under the return flange 436 to retain the latch 334 in the position shown in FIG. 4C .

5A-5C are a series of perspective views showing the assembly of the catapult subassembly 545 and subsequent installation of the catapult subassembly 545 on the latch frame 330 . Referring first to FIG. 5A, the ejector 342 of the illustrated embodiment includes a first leg 542a and a corresponding second leg 542b. In this embodiment, the two legs may be parallel to each other, or at least approximately parallel to each other, and may be mirror images of each other. Each of the legs 542 includes a distal end portion 546 (respectively considered a first distal end portion 546a and a second distal end portion 546b), and a corresponding proximal end portion 547 (respectively considered a first proximal end portion 546b). end 547a and second proximal end 547b). In this embodiment, each of the proximal portions 547 includes a corresponding spring cavity 544 (referred to as a first spring cavity 544a and a second spring cavity 544b, respectively) that accommodates a corresponding one of the coil springs 341. ).

As shown in FIG. 5B , the proximal end of ejector 342 is slidably inserted into ejector base 344 through ejector aperture 548 to compress coil spring 341 within the ejector base. As shown in this figure, in the depicted embodiment, each of the distal ends 546 of the ejector legs 542 includes a distal end surface 560, an abutting chamfer or sloped surface 561, a concave or offset surface 547, and undercut region 549 . In this embodiment, each of the end surfaces 560 may be perpendicular, or at least approximately perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis 578 of the corresponding catapult leg 542 . As described in more detail below, the end surface 560 of the ejector leg 542 is configured such that when the interlocking tongue 214 is properly inserted into the buckle assembly 110, the end surface 560 of the ejector leg 542 is At least one of tongues 214 (eg, second tongue 214b ) configured to contact web connector 112 and be urged back into ejector base 344 against spring 341 ( FIGS. 2A-3 ). Additionally, the offset surface 547 and undercut region 549 of the catapult leg 542 are configured such that when the catapult leg 542 moves outward from the catapult base 344 during operation of the catapult 342, the catapult leg 542 Offset surface 547 and undercut region 549 of portion 542 provide clearance and facilitate movement of ejector 342 relative to latch pawl 336 and frame positioning structure 364 ( FIG. 3 ), respectively.

In another aspect of this embodiment, each of the sloped surfaces 561 may be positioned at an angle relative to the corresponding end surface 560 . For example, each of the sloped surfaces 561 may be positioned at an included angle from about 115 degrees to about 165 degrees relative to the corresponding end surface 560 . In another embodiment, each of the sloped surfaces 561 may be positioned at an included angle of from about 125 degrees to about 145 degrees, or at an included angle of about 135 degrees relative to the corresponding end surface 560 . As shown in FIG. 5B , each of the sloped surfaces 561 of the described embodiment can also be sloped rearwardly so that each of the sloped surfaces is slightly facing upwards. For example, in one embodiment, each of the sloped surfaces 561 may be positioned at an included angle from about 80 degrees to about 40 degrees relative to such a plane. In another embodiment, each of the angled surfaces 561 may be positioned at an angle of from about 75 degrees to about 50 degrees, or about 65 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 578 through the catapult leg 542 .

In the depicted embodiment, the sloped surface 561 and/or the tip surface 560 may be flat, or at least substantially flat. However, in other embodiments, the sloped surface 561 and/or the end surface 560 may be curved, or slightly curved. For example, in one embodiment, the sloped surface 561 and/or the end surface 560 may be approximately spherical or cylindrical concaves. In another embodiment, the inclined surface 561 and/or the end surface 560 may be an approximately spherical or cylindrical convex. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the sloped surface 561 and/or the end surface 560 may have other shapes consistent with the present disclosure.

As will be described in more detail below, the sloped surface 561 on the distal end 546 of the ejector leg 542 is configured so that when the first tongue 214a is inserted into the latch assembly without the second tongue 214b The 110 o'clock prevents the first tongue 214a from inadvertently engaging the latch pawl 336 . However, in other embodiments, the distal end portion 546 of the catapult leg 542 may have a different configuration than that described above without departing from the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, ejector 342 and/or ejector base 344 may be formed from a suitable plastic material, such as injection molded plastic. However, in other embodiments, one or both of these components may be made of other suitable materials, such as cast metal.

Referring next to FIG. 5C , the ejector subassembly 545 is mounted on the frame 330 between the latch's leg members 337 . As shown in FIG. 5B , the ejector base 344 includes a positioning structure 545 (eg, a post or other protrusion) extending downwardly from the ejector base 344 . As shown in FIG. 5C , the locating structure 545 is received in the catapult locating aperture 339 in the frame base 331 to properly position the catapult subassembly 545 . The distal end 546 of the catapult leg 342 is positioned on the opposite side of the latch pawl 336 when the catapult subassembly 545 is in this position. For ease of reference, the subassembly shown in FIG. 5C is denoted herein as latch subassembly 550 .

6A-6D are a series of perspective views showing various steps in final assembly of the clasp assembly 110 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-5C. Referring to FIGS. 3 , 6A and 6B together, the latch subassembly 550 is positioned in the bottom cover 338 of the buckle housing 310 such that the frame locating structure 364 extends upwardly through the cover locating aperture 351 . In this position, the first web opening 366 in the bottom cover 338 is aligned with the connection aperture 350 in the frame 330 . The first coil spring 360a and the second coil spring 360b are positioned on either side of the latch subassembly 550 in corresponding spring pockets 662 (referred to as first spring pocket 662a and second spring pocket 662a, respectively) in the bottom cover 338. 662b). Then, as shown in FIG. 6C , the release button 222 is positioned on the latch subassembly 550 such that the coil spring 360 extends upwardly into the corresponding spring retainer 324 .

Next, top cover 340 mates with bottom cover 338 such that release button 222 is accessible through button aperture 370 . As shown in FIG. 6D, the top cover 340 may then be secured by a plurality of fasteners such as screws (referred to as a first fastener 646a and a second fastener 646b, respectively), and/or other suitable threaded or non-threaded fasteners. Fasteners, snap fits, adhesives, and/or other suitable methods known in the art are secured to rear cover 338 . The top cover 340 includes a first cut-out 641 and the bottom cover 338 includes an adjoining second cut-out 642 which together form a second cut-out when assembled as shown in FIG. 6D The second web has openings 666 . The second web opening 666, together with the first web opening 366, allows an attachment member such as a web (e.g., the crotch web 105 of FIGS. Assembly 110 is secured to a child seat or other structure.

7A-7E are a series of partially assembled perspective views illustrating the operation of buckle assembly 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 7A-7C , the release button 222 and the top cover 340 of the housing 310 have been omitted for clarity. Referring first to FIG. 7A, a user (not shown) properly mates first connector 112a to second connector 112b as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and then inserts interlocking tongue 214 through opening 220 into the clasp assembly. within 110. When the tongue 214 is properly inserted into the clasp assembly 110, the outer edge 760 of the second tongue 214b (respectively referred to as the first outer edge 760a and the second outer edge 760b) is slidably received on the side of the frame. The guide channel 354 (FIG. 3) defined by the wall 332. In the position shown in FIG. 7A, the first distal edge 217a (FIG. 2A) of the first tongue portion 214a is just in contact with the sloped ramp portion 333 of the latch pawl 336 and has begun to overcome the biasing force of the latch spring 346. The latch pawl 336 is moved downward (FIG. 3-4C).

Referring next to FIG. 7B , as the user continues to push the interlocking tongue 214 into the buckle assembly 110 , the second distal edge 217b of the second tongue 214b contacts the end surface 560 of the ejector leg 542 . Continued insertion of tongue 214 causes second tongue 214b to drive ejector 342 back to ejector base 344 and compress spring 341 (FIGS. 3 and 5A). When the tongue 214 reaches the position shown in FIG. 7C , the tongue 214 is fully inserted into the clasp assembly 110 .

Figure 7D is the same as Figure 7C except that a portion of the second tongue 214b has been omitted for clarity. As shown in FIG. 7D , when the interlocking tongue 214 is fully inserted into the clasp assembly 110 , the latch pawl 336 is driven upwardly through the aperture 224 in the first tongue 214 a by the latch spring 346 ( FIG. 3 ). . In the up position, the abutment surface 335 of the latch pawl 336 engages the locking edge 225 of the tongue aperture 224 and prevents the mating connector 112 from being pushed out of the buckle assembly 110 by the spring-loaded ejector 342 . Furthermore, when the latch pawl 336 is engaged with the tongue 214 as described above, the connector 112 cannot be withdrawn from the buckle assembly 110 , thereby securing the restraint system 100 about the vehicle occupant 10 as shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring next to FIGS. 7D and 7E together, when the user wishes to release the connector 112 from the buckle assembly 110 , the user may depress the release button 222 . Depressing the release button 222 drives the button leg 326 downward against the side member 337 of the latch 334 . The downward movement of the latch 334 in response to the depression of the button 222 moves the latch pawl 336 downward and out of the tongue aperture 224 . In the event of an abnormality of the latch pawl 336 , the distal tip surface 560 of the ejector leg 542 may push the interlocking tongue 214 out of the buckle assembly 110 through the opening 220 , thereby releasing the web connector 112 .

There are a number of advantages associated with the embodiment of the buckle assembly 110 and web connector 112 described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-7E. For example, as shown in Figure 7D, one advantage of these embodiments is that if the first tongue 214a is inserted into the buckle assembly 110 without the support of the second tongue 214b, it will be very difficult to inadvertently insert the second tongue 214b. A tongue 214 a maneuvers into a position where the latch pawl aperture 224 engages the latch pawl 336 . Even if the first tongue 214a is somehow manipulated into engagement with the latch pawl 336, the compressed ejector spring 341 (FIG. 3) will tend to drive ejection against the distal edge 217a of the first tongue 214a. The inclined surface 561 of the device leg 542 (FIG. 5B). An upward force exerted by the sloped surface 561 against the distal edge 217a tends to drive the first tongue 214a upward and out of the latch pawl 336 . The distal end 546 of the ejector leg 542 then pushes the first tongue out of the buckle assembly 110 without any parts engaging.

By way of another example, referring to FIG. 7B, if the second tongue 214b is inserted into the buckle assembly 110 without the first tongue 214a, the distal edge 217b of the second tongue 214b will contact the ejector leg end surface 560 of shape 542 ( FIG. 5B ), and compress ejector spring 341 . However, because the second tongue 214b has no aperture or opening that could receive and engage the latch pawl 336, the compressed ejector spring 341 causes the ejector 342 to move the second tongue 336 without any partial engagement. Portion 214b pushes out buckle assembly 110 . Similarly, if the respective tongues 214 are properly connected together before being inserted but not fully inserted (locked) into the buckle assembly 110, the ejector 342 will engage the two tongues 214 as a whole without any partial engagement. The buckle assembly 110 is ejected.

Section 7.2.1.1 of Article 44 of the ECE Code also states that "...it is not allowed to inadvertently change buckle parts while the buckle is being locked;...". As shown in Figure 2B, the buckle opening 220 is not symmetrical in shape about the horizontal axis and has a shoulder 227 at each end. This shape corresponds to the shape of the coupled tongue 214 when it is properly inserted through the opening 220 . If the coupling tongue 214 is incorrectly positioned (eg, upside down, inverted, etc.) prior to insertion, the shape of the coupling tongue 214 will not fit through the opening 220 . This prevents the tongue 214 from being inadvertently swapped and then engaged with the clasp assembly 110 . While the first tongue 214a could be inserted upside down without the second tongue 214b, if so, the first tongue would not be partially engaged for the reasons described above. If the second tongue 214b is inverted, it will not fit through the opening 220 . The aforementioned feature of tongue 214 also helps to ensure that clasp assembly 110 locks when all components are engaged.

8A and 8B are diagrams showing various stages in a method of releasably coupling a first web connector 112a and a second web connector 112b to a buckle assembly 810 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. stereogram. Referring first to FIG. 8A , the web connector 112 is identical or at least substantially similar in structure and function to the corresponding web connector 112 described in detail above. Accordingly, each of the web connectors 112 may slidably receive a corresponding shoulder web 102 .

Many features of buckle assembly 810 are at least generally similar in structure and function to corresponding structures of buckle assembly 110 described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-7E . For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, to engage the web connector 112 with the buckle assembly 810, the second tongue 214b interlockingly engages the first tongue 214a, and the interlocking tongue 214 then passes through the opening. 820 is fully inserted into clasp assembly 810 . However, in this particular embodiment, buckle assembly 810 differs from buckle assembly 110 in that a release actuator, such as release button 822 , slides in direction R to release web connector 112 from buckle assembly 810 .

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the various components and structures of clasp assembly 810 in greater detail. In one aspect of this embodiment, buckle assembly 810 includes a frame 930 positioned within housing 910 . Housing 910 may include a bottom cover 938 and a corresponding top cover 940 . Top cover 940 may include a button aperture 970 that slidably receives release button 822 . Bottom cover 938 may include two frame locating structures 964 (referred to as first locating structures 964a and second locating structures 964b, respectively) protruding upwardly therefrom. In one embodiment, bottom cover 938 and top cover 940 may be fabricated from a suitable plastic material. However, in other embodiments, the bottom cover 938 and/or the top cover 340 may be formed from other suitable materials known in the art, including, for example, suitable metallic materials.

The frame 930 may be identical or at least substantially similar in structure and function to the corresponding frame 330 of the buckle assembly 110 described above, for example, in detail with reference to FIG. 3 . For example, the frame 930 may include opposing sidewalls 932 (referred to as a first sidewall 932a and a second sidewall 932b , respectively) extending upwardly from the base 931 . Each of the side walls 932 defines a corresponding inwardly facing guide channel 954 (referred to as first guide channel 954a and second guide channel 954b, respectively). Stop member 956 projects upwardly from base 931 between ejector locating aperture 939 and cover locating aperture 951 . Like the frame 330 described in detail above, the frame 930 also includes an attachment aperture 950 (eg, a web attachment aperture) positioned toward the end of the base 931 for securely attaching the buckle assembly 810 to the A crotch web such as the crotch web 105 of FIG. 1 . In the depicted embodiment, the frame 930 may be fabricated from a suitable metallic material including, for example, steel plate that is forged and formed into shape. In other embodiments, other metals and other suitable materials known in the art may be used to make plate 930 .

In another aspect of this embodiment, the clasp assembly 810 further includes a latch 934 having a detent 936 between opposing side members 937 (referred to as a first side member 937a and a second side member 937b, respectively). A gap protrudes upward from the center portion of the latch 934 . Detent 936 may be at least generally similar in structure and function to detent 336 described above with reference to FIG. 3 . For example, the detent 936 may include an inclined ramp portion 933 and an abutment surface 935 . Side members 937 extend away from detents 936 parallel to each other. However, in the depicted embodiment, each of the side members 937 includes a distal end portion 947 (respectively viewed as a first distal end portion 947a and a second distal end portion 947b) that is relatively Proximal portions 949 of corresponding side members 937 (referred to as a first proximal portion 949a and a second proximal portion 949b, respectively) extend upwardly at an angle. For example, in one embodiment, distal end 947 may extend upwardly relative to proximal end 949 at an angle of from about 10 degrees to about 70 degrees (eg, from about 20 degrees to about 50 degrees), or at an angle of about 30 degrees. The latch 934 may be fabricated from various types of metallic and non-metallic materials known in the art having suitable strength and stiffness characteristics. Such materials may include, for example, steel forgings, castings, stampings, and the like. As described in more detail below, a portion of release button 822 may contact upwardly bent end 947 of side member 937 to effect release of clasp assembly 810 when release button 822 is slid in direction R (FIG. 8B).

The latch 934 may be operatively coupled to a resilient biasing member or spring 946 . In the depicted embodiment, the spring 946 may be a curved member formed of spring steel that is at least substantially similar in structure and function to the spring 346 described above, eg, with reference to FIG. 3 . However, in other embodiments, other types of resilient biasing members (eg, coil springs, torsion springs, etc.) may be used to bias or urge the latch 934 in an upward direction during operation of the clasp assembly 810 . To install the spring 946 on the latch 934, the U-shaped recess on the first end of the spring 946 is pressed against the latch in the manner described above with respect to the latch 334 of the clasp assembly 110 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B ). on the front edge of the lock 934. The buckle assembly 810 may also include a tongue ejector 942 that compresses a pair of springs 941 (referred to as a first spring 941a and a second spring 941b, respectively) against an ejector 944 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the installation of the latch 934 on the plate 930 . The latch side members 937 can be slid into corresponding guide channels 954 of the frame 930 until the leading edge portion of the latch 934 is received under the return flange 1036 of the frame 930 . As shown in FIG. 10 , once the latch 934 has been installed on the frame 930 , the combination can be installed on the lower cover 938 such that the frame locating structure 964 protrudes upwardly through the cover locating aperture 951 .

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views showing the assembly of the catapult subassembly 1145 and subsequent installation of the catapult subassembly 1145 on the latch frame 930 . Referring first to FIG. 11A, the ejector 942 includes a first leg 1142a and an adjacent second leg 1142b. In the depicted embodiment, the catapult legs 1142 are substantially mirror images of each other. Each of the legs 1142 includes a distal portion 1146 (respectively referred to as a first distal portion 1146a and a second distal portion 1146b), and a corresponding proximal portion 1156 (respectively referred to as a first proximal portion 1146b). end 1156a and second proximal end 1156b). As with ejector 342 described in detail above, each proximal portion 1156 includes a corresponding spring cavity that receives a corresponding one of coil springs 941 .

In the depicted embodiment, each of the distal ends 1146 of the ejector legs 1142 includes an end surface 1160, an abutment ramp or sloped surface 1161 oriented at an angle relative to the end surface 1160, disposed a distance from Recessed or offset surface 1147 behind end surface 1160 , and undercut region 1149 . In this embodiment, each of the end surfaces 1160 may be perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis 1178 of the corresponding catapult leg 1142 . As described above with respect to the ejector 320 of the buckle assembly 110, the end surface 1160 of the ejector leg 1142 is configured to contact the side of the web connector 112 when the interlocking tongue 214 is properly inserted into the buckle assembly 810. At least one of tongues 214 (eg, second tongue 214 b ) is pushed back into ejector base 944 . In addition, offset surface 1147 and undercut region 1149 are configured to provide ejector leg 1142 and latch pawl 936 and frame, respectively, when ejector 942 is pushed out of ejector base 944 by spring 941 during operation of the release mechanism. The gap between positioning structures 964 (FIG. 9).

In another aspect of this embodiment, each of the sloped surfaces 1161 can be positioned at an included angle from about 115 degrees to about 165 degrees relative to the corresponding end surface 1160 . For example, each inclined surface 1161 may be positioned at an angle of from about 125 degrees to about 145 degrees or at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to the corresponding end surface 1160 . Each of the sloped surfaces 1161 of the described embodiment may also be slightly upwardly sloped at an angle relative to a plane passing through the longitudinal axes 1178 of the two catapult legs 1142 as shown in FIG. 11A . For example, in one embodiment, each of the sloped surfaces 1161 may be positioned at an angle from about 80 degrees to about 40 degrees relative to such a plane. In another embodiment, each of the angled surfaces 561 may be positioned at an angle of from about 75 degrees to about 50 degrees, or at an angle of about 65 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 1178 through the catapult leg 1142 .

In the depicted embodiment, the sloped surface 1161 and/or the end surface 1160 may be flat, or at least approximately flat. However, in other embodiments, the sloped surface 1161 and/or the end surface 1160 may be curved or slightly curved. For example, in one embodiment, sloped surface 1161 and/or end surface 1160 may be an approximately spherical or cylindrical recess. In another embodiment, the inclined surface 1161 and/or the end surface 1160 may be an approximately spherical or cylindrical protrusion. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that sloped surface 1161 and/or end surface 1160 may have other shapes, eg, other non-planar shapes, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

As will be described in more detail below, the sloped surface 1161 on the distal end 1146 of the ejector leg 1142 is configured so that when the first tongue 214a is inserted into the latch assembly without the second tongue 214b 810 prevents the first tongue 214a from inadvertently engaging the latch pawl 936 . However, in other embodiments, the distal end 1146 of the catapult leg 1142 may have a different configuration than that described above without departing from the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, ejector 942 and/or ejector base 944 may be formed from a suitable plastic material, such as injection molded plastic. However, in other embodiments, one or both of these components may be made of other suitable materials, such as cast metal.

The ejector base 944 includes two spring pockets 1162 (referring to a first spring pocket 1162a and a second spring pocket 1162b, respectively), an ejector aperture 1148, and an alignment aperture extending downwardly from the ejector base. 1135. Proximal end 1156 of ejector 942 may be slidably inserted into ejector base 944 through ejector aperture 1148 to compress spring 941 within the ejector base. As shown in FIG. 11B , the alignment aperture 1135 can then be inserted into the ejector positioning aperture 939 in the frame base 931 to properly position the ejector subassembly 1145 between the leg members 937 of the latch 934 on frame 930. As shown in this figure, the distal end 1146 of the ejector leg 1142 is positioned on the opposite side of the latch pawl 936 when the ejector subassembly 1145 is in this position. Additionally, a stop member 956 extends upwardly from the frame base 931 and is received within a corresponding recess 1115 in the ejector base 944 (FIG. 11A). The stop member 956 acts to limit the forward movement of the catapult 942 by blocking the catapult guide member 1158 moving back and forth within the catapult channel 1147 in the catapult base 944 .

12A-12C are a series of perspective views showing various steps in the further assembly of buckle assembly 810 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring first to FIGS. 9 and 12A together, the release button 822 is biased toward the forward locked position by two biasing members, such as coil springs 960 (referred to as a first coil spring 960a and a second coil spring 960b, respectively), The biasing member is compressed against the upper portion of the ejector base 944 . As shown in FIG. 12A , each of the coil springs 960 is received on a corresponding positioning structure such as a spring post 1224 (referred to as a first post 1224 a and a second post 1224 b , respectively) on the rear end of the release button 822. superior. As further shown in this figure, the release button 822 also includes a first support or contact surface 1227a on the lower portion of the first arm 1226a, and a second contact surface 1127b on the lower portion of the second arm 1226b. As described in more detail below, each of the contact surfaces 1227 is configured to bear against a corresponding distal end of one of the latch legs 937 after the button is slid into the release position.

Referring next to FIG. 12B , the release button 822 is positioned on top of the frame side wall 932 such that the distal end of each of the coil springs 960 can be received within a corresponding spring pocket 1162 in the ejector base 944 . As shown in FIG. 12C , after the release button 822 has been installed, the top cover 940 can be positioned over the bottom cover 938 using a number of fasteners (eg, screws, not shown), adhesives, snap fits, and/or Or other suitable connection methods known in the art are fixed to the back cover.

13A and 13B are partially assembled perspective views similar to FIGS. 7A and 7B described above with reference to buckle assembly 110 . Along with FIG. 12B , FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the operation of buckle assembly 810 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 13A and 13B , the top cover 940 and release button 822 have been omitted for clarity. Referring first to FIG. 13A , a user (not shown) properly mates the first connector 112a to the second connector 112b (eg, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B ), and then passes the interlocking tongue 214 through the opening 820. ( FIG. 8A ) Insert into clasp assembly 810 . When the tongue 214 is properly inserted into the clasp assembly 810, the outer edge 1360 of the second tongue 214b (referred to as the first outer edge 1360a and the second outer edge 1360b, respectively) is slidably received on the side of the frame. The guide channel 954 (FIG. 9) defined by the wall 932. As the user continues to advance the interlocking tongue 214 into the buckle assembly 810 , the second distal edge 217b of the second tongue 214b contacts the end surface 1160 of the ejector leg 1142 . Continued insertion of tongue 214 causes second tongue 214b to drive ejector 942 back into ejector base 944 and compress spring 941 within ejector base 944 ( FIGS. 9 and 11A ). When the tongue 214 reaches the position shown in FIG. 13A , the tongue 214 is fully inserted into the clasp assembly 810 . In this position, the latch pawl 936 engages the tongue aperture 224 in the first tongue portion 214a, as described below with reference to FIG. 13B.

Figure 13B is the same as Figure 13A except that a portion of the second tongue 214b has been omitted for clarity. As shown in FIG. 13B, when the interlocking tongue 214 is fully inserted into the clasp assembly 810, the latch pawl 936 is driven upwardly through the aperture 224 in the first tongue 214a by the latch spring 946 (FIG. 9). (image 3). In the up position, the abutment surface 935 of the latch pawl 936 engages the locking edge 225 of the tongue aperture 224 and prevents the mating connector 112 from being pushed out of the buckle assembly 810 by the spring-loaded ejector 942 . Furthermore, when the latch pawl 936 is engaged with the tongue 214 as described above, the connector 112 cannot be withdrawn from the buckle assembly 810 , thereby securing the restraint system 100 about the vehicle occupant 10 as shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring next to FIGS. 12B , 13A and 13B together, when a user wishes to release connector 112 from clasp assembly 810 , the user may slide release button 822 in direction R ( FIG. 8B ) and compress coil spring 960 . Sliding the release button 822 in this direction drives the contact surface 1227 on the button arm 1226 against the angled end 947 of the latch side member 937 . The downward movement of side member 937 causes latch pawl 936 to move downward and disengage from tongue aperture 224 . In the event of an abnormality of the latch pawl 936 , the distal end surface 1160 of the ejector leg 1142 may push the interlocking tongue 214 out of the buckle assembly 810 through the opening 820 , thereby releasing the web connector 112 .

14A is a top view of buckle assembly 810, and FIG. 14B is a partial cross-sectional view of buckle assembly 810 taken generally along line 14B-14B in FIG. 14A. Referring first to FIG. 14A , the top cover 940 of the clasp assembly 810 , the release button 822 , and additional components have been omitted from this view for clarity. In this view, tongue 214 has been fully inserted into clasp assembly 810 and is properly engaged with latch pawl 936 (FIG. 9). 14B, in the described embodiment, when the tongue 214 has been properly engaged with the buckle assembly 810, the end surface 1160 of the ejector leg 1142 squarely abuts against the first end of the second tongue 214b. on the second distal edge 217b. For example, as shown in this view, in this embodiment, the distal end surface 1160 can be parallel, or at least approximately parallel, to the second distal edge 217b. As noted above, the relationship of the tip surface 1160 to the second distal edge 217b enables the tip surface 1160 to push the tongue 214 out of the buckle assembly 810 directly, or at least substantially directly, when the release button 822 is actuated.

Figure 14C is a top view of buckle assembly 810 similar to Figure 14A. However, in FIG. 14C, in order to better illustrate the relationship between the sloped surface 1161 of the ejector leg 1142 and the first distal edge 217a of the first tongue 214a, the second tongue 214b is not shown. out. Although the second tongue 214b is not shown, as the second tongue 214b is present, the first tongue 214a has been properly inserted into the buckle assembly 810 and engaged with the latch pawl 936 . Referring next to FIG. 14D , as shown in this cross-sectional view, when first tongue 214a is engaged with buckle assembly 810 , sloped surface 1161 of ejector leg 1142 is positioned at an angle relative to first distal edge 217a. For example, in one embodiment, each of the sloped surfaces 1161 can be positioned at an angle from about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees relative to the first distal edge 217a. In another embodiment, each of the sloped surfaces 1161 can be positioned at an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 40 degrees, or about 25 degrees relative to the first distal edge 217a. If the first tongue 214a inadvertently engages the latch pawl 936 without the second tongue 214b as described above, the inclined relationship of the inclined surface 1161 to the first tongue 214a enables the inclined surface 1161 The first tongue 214a is moved up and out of the latch pawl 936 .

Although the clasp assembly 810 is referred to for purposes of illustration of FIGS. 14A-14D and the associated discussion, the description of the distal end 1146 of the ejector leg 1142 is equally applicable to the clasp assembly 110 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7E . corresponding structure. For example, in various embodiments, the distal end 546 of the ejector leg 542 ( FIGS. 3 and 5B ) may be similar in structure and function to the corresponding distal end of the ejector leg 1142 ( FIGS. 9 and 5B ). Figure 11A) is at least roughly similar. Thus, in these embodiments, the end surface 560 and the sloped surface 561 of the catapult leg 542 may have the same or the same shape as the end surface 1160 and the sloped surface 1161 of the catapult leg 1142 described above with reference to FIGS. 14A-14D , respectively. At least a roughly similar structure.

One advantage of the buckle assembly 810, as described above with respect to the buckle assembly 110, is that it is difficult to inadvertently engage the latch ratchet if the first tongue 214a is inserted into the buckle assembly 810 without the second tongue 214b. Claw 936. More specifically, if this occurs, the compressed coil spring 960 will drive the ramped surface 1161 on the distal end 1146 of the ejector leg 1142 against the distal edge 217a of the first tongue 214a. As shown in FIG. 13B , the inclined surface 1161 then tends to drive the first tongue 214a upward and out of the latch pawl 336 due to the relative angle between the inclined surface 1161 and the first tongue 214a.

Similarly, if the second tongue 214b were inserted into the buckle assembly 810 without the first tongue 214a, the distal edge 217b of the second tongue 214b would contact the end surface of the ejector leg 1142 1160 and compresses the catapult spring 941. However, because the second tongue 214b has no opening or aperture that can engage the latch pawl 936, as long as there is no external force that retains the connector 112b in the clasp assembly 810, the ejector 942 will not engage the latch pawl. 936 pushes the second tongue 214b out of the buckle assembly 810 in the event of any engagement. Furthermore, if the respective tongues 214 fit together correctly prior to being inserted but not fully inserted into the buckle assembly 810, the ejector 942 drives the two tongues 214 as a whole out of the buckle assembly 810 without partial engagement. , because the latch pawl 936 cannot engage the tongue aperture 224 unless the mating tongue 214 is fully inserted into the clasp assembly 810 .

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above within the scope of these embodiments, not all embodiments must exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except as by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A personal restraint system for use in a vehicle, said personal restraint system comprising: a first connector configured to be operably coupled to the first web, wherein the first connector includes a first tongue having a locking structure; a second connector configured to be operatively coupled to a second web, wherein the second connector includes a second tongue; and A buckle assembly, said buckle assembly comprising: a latch configured to engage the locking structure of the first tongue when the first and second tongues are inserted together into the buckle assembly, thereby locking the the first tongue and the second tongue are locked to the buckle assembly; and An ejector configured to disengage the locking structure from the latch when the first tongue is inserted into the buckle assembly without the second tongue. 2. The personal restraint system of claim 1 , wherein the ejector is further configured to release the second tongue when inserted into the buckle assembly without the first tongue. When the second tongue is driven away from the latch. 3. The personal restraint system of claim 1, wherein said latch includes a detent configured to be inserted into said first tongue and said second tongue together. a locking structure that engages the first tongue when the clasp assembly is engaged to lock the first tongue and the second tongue to the clasp assembly; and Wherein the ejector is configured to disengage the locking structure from the pawl when the locking structure is engaged with the pawl without the second tongue. 4. The personal restraint system of claim 1, wherein the first tongue includes an aperture, and wherein the aperture contains the locking structure. 5. The personal restraint system of claim 1, wherein the first tongue includes an aperture, and wherein the latch includes a detent configured to move when the first tongue An edge portion of the aperture engages an edge portion of the aperture when the first portion and the second tongue portion are inserted together into the buckle assembly to lock the first tongue portion and the second tongue portion to the buckle assembly. 6. The personal restraint system of claim 1 , wherein the ejector includes at least one surface configured to act without the second tongue when the locking structure is in contact with The latch contacts a distal edge of the first tongue when engaged and lifts the first tongue out of engagement with the latch. 7. The personal restraint system of claim 1, wherein: The ejector includes a distal end having a first surface adjacent to a second surface; wherein said first surface is configured to contact a first distal end of said first tongue when said first tongue is inserted into said clasp assembly without said second tongue edge and disengages the locking structure from the latch; and wherein the second surface is configured to contact the second distal end of the second tongue when the second tongue is inserted into the clasp assembly without the first tongue edge and drives the second tongue away from the latch. 8. The personal restraint system of claim 1, wherein: The catapult includes at least one catapult leg having a distal end; wherein the distal portion has a first surface adjacent to a second surface, wherein the first surface is at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catapult leg, and wherein the second surface is relative to the the first surface is positioned at an angle; wherein the first surface is configured to contact a first distal edge of the first tongue and disengage the locking structure from the latch; and Wherein the second surface is configured to contact a second distal edge of the second tongue and drive the second tongue away from the latch. 9. A child restraint system for use with a child seat in a vehicle, the restraint system comprising: a first connector configured to be operably coupled to the first web, wherein the first connector includes a first tongue having an aperture therein; A second connector configured to be operatively coupled to a second web, wherein the second connector includes a second tongue configured to releasably ground interlocks with said first tongue; and A buckle assembly, said buckle assembly comprising: a latch pawl configured to extend at least partially through the aperture and when the first tongue and the second tongue are releasably interlocked and inserted together into said clasp assembly releasably engages said first tongue; and an ejector having a first surface portion and a second surface portion, wherein the first surface portion is configured such that when the first tongue is inserted into the The clasp assembly disengages the first tongue from the latch pawl, and wherein the second surface portion is configured to act as the second tongue in the absence of the first tongue. Insertion of the tongue into the clasp assembly drives the second tongue away from the latch pawl. 10. The child restraint system of claim 9, wherein the first surface portion of the ejector is positioned at an angle relative to the second surface portion of the ejector. 11. The child restraint system of claim 9, wherein the first surface portion and the second surface portion define an angle between the first surface portion and the second surface portion from about 115 degrees to about 165 degrees. 12. The child restraint system of claim 9, wherein the first tongue includes a first distal edge and the second tongue includes a second distal edge, wherein the ejector The first surface portion is disposed at an angle relative to the first distal edge, and wherein the second surface portion of the ejector is parallel to the second distal edge. 13. The child restraint system of claim 9, wherein the ejector includes at least one leg extending from the ejector along a longitudinal axis, wherein the first surface portion Extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second surface portion is at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 14. The child restraint system of claim 9, wherein: The ejector also includes a first leg disposed toward a first side of the latch pawl and a second leg disposed toward a second side of the latch pawl opposite the first side. department; the first leg includes a first distal end and the second leg includes a second distal end; the first distal end portion of the first leg includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion; and The second distal end portion of the second leg portion includes a third surface portion and a fourth surface portion, wherein the first surface portion and the third surface portion are configured without the second tongue portion disengages the first tongue from the latch pawl when the first tongue is inserted into the clasp assembly, wherein the second surface portion and the fourth surface portion configured to drive the second tongue away from the latch pawl when the second tongue is inserted into the buckle assembly without the first tongue. 15. The child restraint system of claim 9, wherein: The catapult also includes a first leg extending from the catapult first along a first longitudinal axis and a second leg extending from the catapult along a second longitudinal axis; the first leg is disposed toward a first side of the latch pawl and the second leg is disposed toward a second side of the latch pawl opposite the first side; the first leg includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion, and the second leg includes a third surface portion and a fourth surface portion; the first surface portion is positioned at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis and the second surface portion is at least approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis; and The third surface portion is positioned at an angle relative to the second longitudinal axis, and the fourth surface portion is at least approximately perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis. 16. The child restraint system of claim 9, wherein the buckle assembly further comprises: frame; and a biasing member operatively disposed between the frame and the ejector, wherein when the first tongue is inserted into the buckle assembly, the biasing member abuts the The first distal edge of the first tongue pushes the first surface portion of the ejector, and wherein when the second tongue is inserted into the buckle assembly, the biasing member abuts the The second distal edge of the second tongue further pushes the second surface portion of the ejector. 17. The child restraint system of claim 9, wherein the buckle assembly further comprises: case; a release actuator operatively coupled to the housing; a frame positioned at least partially within the housing; a catapult base mounted to the frame; and at least one biasing member operatively disposed between the catapult base and the catapult, wherein: The catapult also includes a first catapult leg extending from the catapult along a first longitudinal axis and a second catapult leg extending from the catapult along a second longitudinal axis; The first ejector leg is disposed toward a first side of the latch pawl, and the second ejector leg is disposed toward a second side of the latch pawl opposite the first side. side setting; the first catapult leg includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion, and the second catapult leg includes a third surface portion and a fourth surface portion; the first surface portion is positioned at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis, and the second surface portion is positioned at least approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis; the third surface portion is positioned at an angle relative to the second longitudinal axis, and the fourth surface portion is positioned at least approximately perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis; and When the release actuator is manually actuated, the biasing member pushes the second surface portion of the first catapult leg and the second catapult leg against the second tongue The fourth surface portion of the tongue to eject the second tongue and the first tongue from the buckle assembly. 18. A buckle system for restraining a child in a child seat of a vehicle, the buckle system comprising: a first connector configured to be operably coupled to the first web, wherein the first connector includes a first tongue having a locking structure; a second connector configured to be operatively coupled to a second web, wherein the second connector includes a second tongue; and a buckle assembly configured to be operably coupled to the third web, the buckle assembly comprising: A locking structure for engaging the first tongue when the first tongue and the second tongue are inserted together into the buckle assembly to lock the first tongue and the second tongue together. means for securing two tongues to the clasp assembly; and for automatically disengaging the locking structure when the first tongue is inserted into the buckle assembly in the absence of the second tongue to release the first tongue from the buckle assembly installation. 19. The buckle system of claim 18, further comprising means for inserting said second tongue when said second tongue is inserted into said buckle assembly in the absence of said first tongue. A device that automatically drives out the buckle assembly. 20. The buckle system of claim 18, further comprising means for releasing from the buckle assembly when the first and second tongues are inserted together into the buckle assembly and the locking structure is engaged. A clasp assembly releases the means for said first tongue and said second tongue.

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